Tamil Nadu, which faced criticism of wasting water resources, is showing signs of catching up with other southern States such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in taking to micro irrigation.
Though the data provided by the Central and State governments with regard to coverage differ, the trend is very clear.
Tamil Nadu no longer lags behind others in micro irrigation, which includes drip and sprinkler system.
While the Centre’s website ( https://pmksy.gov.in ) states that Tamil Nadu achieved a coverage of about 1.72 lakh hectares under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), a scheme meant for micro irrigation, the State government has put the figure at 1.57 lakh hectares.
According to officials of the State Agriculture Department, agricultural crops accounted for 88,820 hectares and horticultural crops, 68,321 hectares.
While the first category refers to sugar cane, red gram, maize, cotton, pulses, groundnut and oilseeds, the second includes banana, mango, guava and grapes.
In the wake of confusion over the levy of Goods and Services Tax (GST) during 2017-18, the State’s performance that year was below par.
Subsidy scheme
But, it picked up momentum the next year, as the State government had decided to absorb the tax of 12% on micro-irrigation systems as an additional subsidy.
Under the scheme, 100% subsidy is being provided to small and marginal farmers (owning up to 2.5 hectares) and 75% subsidy to other farmers.
Nanjundan, a 57-year-old farmer who has been using micro irrigation on 10 acres in Samanapalli village in Soolagiri taluk of Krishnagiri district, feels that of late, agriculturists in his village and neighbouring areas have also begun showing interest in this type of irrigation.
“I am planning to raise paddy this year,” he says, asserting that apart from saving water, the increase in yield can be achieved.
S. Venkatesan, a farmer who hails from water-rich Cuddalore district, says that there is not much awareness among members of his community to take to micro irrigation, even though the authorities are promoting the concept in a big way.
“Given the shrinking water resources, we have no other option than to adopt micro irrigation,” adds Mr. Venkatesan.
